Paris climate deal acknowledged by WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes the COP21 Paris climate agreement to cut gas emissions and reduce global warming

Following the Paris meeting, world's governments reached a decision that will help keeping warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and be transparent about their climate change related decisions.

The tourism sector aims to preserve the environment, cultures and people through sustainable growing, as WTTC reports a 3.5 per cent increase in 2015, US$7.8 trillion world economy revenues and 284 million jobs following the industry's activities.

To support a comprehensive implementation of the new climate deal, WTTC launched an on-line tool to help companies find and apply the laws and regulations related to environmental, social and governmental issues and policies. The “Environmental, Social & Governance reporting in Travel & Tourism: Trends, Outlook and Guidance” report allows all the industry players to learn about specific country legislation.

David Scowsill, president of WTTC, declared:

“After the Paris COP21 agreement, which puts a legally-binding obligation on countries to prepare plans to alleviate climate change, it is more important than ever that companies – in any industry – are able to evaluate their environmental impact before taking any relevant steps.

“However, companies do not always know how to report on their sustainable practices or are aware of which laws and regulations are in place and the obligations which they bring.

“The WTTC on-line tool shows the legislation and regulation in place in any country and stock exchange around the world governing ESG issues.

“While as a sector we continue to look to improve our sustainable practices and the legislation on ESG reporting, the tool allows organizations to communicate with and engage stakeholders.

“The onus is on all companies in all industries to report their environmental impact, this tool helps them understand where they need to act.

“Reporting on the practices we are implementing to combat climate change is a starting point and a commitment towards a more sustainable future of not just our sector but any industry.”